Hammer coral not happy

[Reef_dachs]

Hi,
My hammer coral has taken a bad turn over the last 2 days. He was beautiful and open for the past few weeks. For 2 days now he is small and shriveled. I had him in a medium flow spot so perhaps the flow was too much. I moved him to the sand for lower flow but he doesn’t seem happy here either. Any tips or advice?
Parameters:
Temp 75f
Salinity 1.027
Cal 390
Alk 11.5
PH 8.15
P04 - 0.1
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 25

 

[ScubaFish802]

Continuing to move them can stress them more. Put it a place you think works then don’t touch it anymore

 

[jasonsingh]

I'd say let nature take it's course. As long as your water parameters are perfect including calcium and phosphate levels, let it stay there and walk away.

 

[Mical]

Just from what I observe - tank is fairly new, temp could be a little higher (77-78deg), Sal. 1.026, Alk closer to 8, Cal closer to 450, and nitrate lower.

Hammers, Torches & Frogspawn are tough to keep in newer tank IMO and they thrive in stability.

Here's what started as a two head Frogspawn 2 years ago is now 30+ heads

 

[jasonsingh]

That looks absolutely beautiful. I congratulate you highly my friend! Absolutely amazing. I could watch it for hours. Gods gift to us.

 

[Reef_dachs]

Just from what I observe - tank is fairly new, temp could be a little higher (77-78deg), Sal. 1.026, Alk closer to 8, Cal closer to 450, and nitrate lower.

Hammers, Torches & Frogspawn are tough to keep in newer tank IMO and they thrive in stability.

Here's what started as a two head Frogspawn 2 years ago is now 30+ heads

Thank you. You are correct. The tank is about 6 months old. I got the hammer because some forums suggested it was a good beginning coral. I put the heater in the tank today. It got chilly last night for the first time this fall. Any suggestions on getting the water parameters more ideal or is just because the tank is new? I do about 15% water changes each week with LFS rodi water.

 

[Indytraveler83]

Focus on stability. Don't let salinity, temperature or anything jump up and down too much.

Mine hates fluctuations and will close up for 3-4 days anytime something changes. I sort of use my hammer is the canary in the tank. If it's ever unhappy, it means something changed that shouldn't have.

 

[Mical]

The only thing I can advise is stability. Give them decent (not over powering) flow, plenty of light and stable params and you'll be golden.

New tanks go through a "see-saw" effect with params. You have to be diligent but not over-reactive to params. If you do need to make changes - do it SLOWLY over a week or two.

I'm far from an expert, and I've learned no 2 tanks are the same - I can only give advice that's worked for me. But keep posting, ask questions (none are dumb - Rule#1) and absorb everything you can from the forum and don't be afraid to question any advice.

 

[JGT]

Beauty.

Just from what I observe - tank is fairly new, temp could be a little higher (77-78deg), Sal. 1.026, Alk closer to 8, Cal closer to 450, and nitrate lower.

Hammers, Torches & Frogspawn are tough to keep in newer tank IMO and they thrive in stability.

Here's what started as a two head Frogspawn 2 years ago is now 30+ heads

Beauty. Almost could pass for a hammer tho.

 

[homer1475]

Alk a little high, Cal a little low, Temp a little low.

What salt mix are you using, and have you tested what a fresh batch mixes up to?

 

[Reef_dachs]

Alk a little high, Cal a little low, Temp a little low.

What salt mix are you using, and have you tested what a fresh batch mixes up to?

Instant Ocean reef mix. A fresh batch has the alk around 12 & calcium around 420 at a salinty of 1.026